Planning to DIY the shower

Planning to DIY the shower panel installation but got no idea how to get started? Whether you want to update your shower walls or add a bit of colour and character using new shower panels, doing the job can save you a considerable amount. In this article, we’re going to share with you a step-by-step process in fitting shower panels.

Shower wall panel’s advantage over tiles

There are a few choices for shower walls; however, in splash zones like a shower enclosure, you want the most watertight solution that gives you peace of mind.

Ceramic tiles are often the top choice for many, as they offer great designs and, when fitted well provide, a solid waterproof solution. But it can be pricey! Shower wall panels, on the other hand, provide a more waterproof option, easier installation, and that benefits from also being a lot cheaper, which is why many more people are choosing shower wall panels today.

Here are the benefits of using a shower wall panel:

• Quick and easy installation — With the tongue and groove system which allows the board to slot together neatly, you can get the job done up to 6 times faster than tiles, with requiring a specialist tiler.
• Watertight finish — It is 100% waterproof, and it does not require grout nor cement for installation.
• Cost-effective — It has extensive coverage but costs less per square metre than tiles.
• Simple Maintenance — Wiping the panels with a damp cloth and soap can instantly get the cleaning done.
• Installable over existing wall coverings —you don’t have to remove existing tiles because you can install shower panels on top of tiles.
• Limitless design options — Various design choices will enable you to explore and find the perfect board for your space.

Preparing for installation

Here are a few things that you should do before installation:

1. Measure your shower walls

Whether you’re working around your bathroom or updating your shower enclosure’s internal walls, it is essential to know what space you’ll need to cover. It will help you identify the dimension and number of the panel that you’ll need to get it covered.

2. Choose the right shower wall panels

Arctic Marble Shower Panel

Arctic Marble panel offers a neat and subtle finish, perfect for adding a bit of edge to a quaint shower or feature walls. It is incredibly cost-effective, but it provides a premium luxury finish.

Light Concrete Shower Panel

The light concrete panel has an elegant sheening effect that creates an inviting and intimate space. It’s a very modern and urban look that is proving very popular for stylish bathrooms.

Roman Blue Mosaic Shower Panel

Roman Blue Mosaic Shower Panel

Roman Blue Shower Panel

It exhibits a two-layered panel that comes in an elegant antique blue tone. The first layer has a crystallised effect while the other layer has a simple rough-coated design, perfect for adding a dash of elegance to your shower enclosures.

White Gloss Tile Shower Panel

This shower Panel produces a tile-effect with a sleek and modern finish, perfect for sprucing up your bathroom in a minimalistic way. It’s simple, but it beautifully rocks in white!

Black Shimmer Shower Panel

These panels have a stylish sparkle feature, perfect for a dazzling feature wall or a bespoke shower room. They’re a real game-changer, in different lights the sparkles intensity changes, a real show-stopper!

After choosing and purchasing shower wall panels, it will be delivered to you by experienced couriers. Once you receive and before the installation, we highly recommend laying them down flat, don’t place them at an angle against walls, or between supporting structures.

How to fit the shower wall panels in your bathroom

Materials needed for the installation:

• Caulking gun
• Safety goggles
• Tape measure
• Sharp blade
• Electric or fine tooth saw or Stanley knife

1. Measure the area you want to cover, both horizontally and vertically. You can fit shower panels on multiple surfaces, so you got nothing to worry about if you have existing tiles or plasterboard. Don’t forget to make sure you have an even and level surface on the floor as well or the joins won’t meet properly. You may also consider using our coving and end cap trims if you need help with a level and watertight solution.

2. Most shower panels don’t need cutting due to their 1-metre width. However, if you need to set your panel and lay it flat on supports with the front-facing up, then mark out the cutting lines on the shower panel. Adds strips of masking tape to protect the edges while cutting it down to the required size.

3. Then, carefully remove the excess panel using an electric or straight edge saw. You can also use Stanley knife, but shower boards are pretty tough so we wouldn’t recommend it. Keep in mind that you have to use safety goggles when using these tools.

4. To achieve a professional waterproof finish, we also recommend using panel trims. However, if you’re going to use trims, you may need to remove the tongue and groove joint from one or both sides of the panel. Add screws to the trim using a screwdriver or power drill if it is necessary. 

5. Take a sanding pad and sand all the cut edges to create a smooth finish and remove any debris. Then, flip the panel over and use the sanding pad to rough up the surface and allow the sealant to have better adhesion.

6. To fit the shower panels together in a corner, use a corner trim and secure it in the corner with screws and sealant on the rear. Add a considerable amount of sealant to the back of the first panel and place the panel into position inside the trim and against the wall. Don’t squeeze it too hard against the wall if your using end caps. If not gently push it against the wall and secure with screws on the tongue.

7. If your using end caps, now might be the best time to attach them. Add a good amount of sealant inside the trim and then slide onto the end of your shower panel. Be careful not to prise the panel away from the wall and when finished make sure the panel is firmly pressed into place so that the adhesive should spread against the trim.

8. Repeat the process for the remaining shower panels and ensure that they are in the correct position before fitting them firmly. Make use of the tongue-and-groove if you want less visible join and add masking tape when applying sealant for a neat finish.

This should be used as a general information guide only as every space is different and we can’t legislate for every unique challenge you might face. However, for most people, they are this straightforward and generally, no cutting is needed at all.